James "JK" Keele's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of James Kim Keele, our wonderful and loving Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and Friend. James was born on July 23, 1967, in Seoul, South Korea and passed on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Washington State.
Preceded in death by his father, Phillip Dean Keele and recently his longtime companion Kim Marie Wilbur. James leaves behind the light of his world “Mama” Soon Ja Keele, sister Geraldine Keele-Joe, brother David Keele (Rose), nephew Hasani, niece Imani, Aunt’s Young Ae Theetge (Howard), Young In Wipprecht, Young Yuldi Kim, Yoonie Kim, Uncle’s Young Su Kim, Young On Kim, Cousin’s Stephanie Kim, Young Sami Kim, Young Mini Kim and Jae Gyeom Kim, along with numerous lifelong friends, his “crew”.
James grew up in University Place. He graduated from Curtis High School. After high school he went on to study at the University of Washington where he became a Husky! His purple pride rang true as he was also a loyal fan of Kansas State University, where his father attended. After attending UW, James became a United States Marine. This was something he was so very proud of because he loved his country. While serving, James was stationed at Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms and Fort Irwin. He also served in Operation Desert Storm. After his time in the United States Marine Corps, James went to work as a low voltage technician at a large network solutions firm. It was there, while working for them as a state contract approved firm, he became the go-to person for Kent School District. After two years, Kent School District decided they wanted James for their own and hired him directly. This started a 26-year career as a Senior Network Specialist. James earned employee of the year in 2023.
To describe James, one could say he was funny, intelligent and a loyal friend of many. As a lover of all things outdoors, away from work he and Kim enjoyed camping trips with friends to the coast, annual camping trips to Lake Cushman with family, fishing, and cycling. Over the years Denny Creek in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest became a special place for James and Kim, a favorite for hiking, picnicking and day trips. James was a certified grill master; his pork chops were perfection. He was also an avid gamer. He enjoyed online networking with friends while competing in Pantheon, New World and Elder Scrolls Online to name a few.
James had a way of bringing everyone together, through our loss, several circles of friends and family are now becoming one and while the world feels dimmer without him, there will be comfort in the countless moments of joy and laughter James brought into our lives. His infectious laugh will be a melody we will never forget or the uncanny ability to drop the perfect movie quote at just the right time. James’s spirit will live on with every laugh and shared memory.
Rest Easy, JK. You will always be the star of our hearts
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